Prospective Families

"Learning through play" is the founding philosophy of Trinity Presbyterian Preschool. Fifty years later, that philosophy is still central to our mission. The preschool began as an outreach ministry, filling a need for the church members and local community. Today, our preschool serves over a hundred families. A typical Trinity preschool day may include: tricycle riding and zooming in our full-size, indoor gym; playing and climbing on our shaded playground; or singing and grooving in music class. Classroom time may include: pretend play ("Ding! The muffins are ready!"), story time ("Pizza! said the lady with the alligator purse!"), and crafts (Let's make giant turkeys with these paper bags!"). In addition to our dedicated team of teachers (teaching 3, 4, and Pre-K aged children), Trinity also employs both a music and a gardening teacher. Trinity Presbyterian Preschool is licensed by Arlington County, Virginia and holds a religious exemption from the Commonwealth of Virginia. If you are interested in touring the preschool, please call the office at 703-536-5616 to arrange an appointment. For admission and registration information, please see those links on this web site.

—Sabrina Brassard Preschool Director

History

Trinity Presbyterian Preschool opened its doors in September 1957, as a mission and outreach of Trinity Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Jo Benn and Mrs. Dorothy Brewer, two visionary members of Trinity Presbyterian Church, were the impetus behind founding the preschool. The 2007 school year proudly marked the fiftieth anniversary of Trinity Presbyterian Preschool.

Trinity Preschool is sponsored by Trinity Presbyterian Church. The preschool has a Religious Exemption from the Commonwealth of Virginia, and is licensed by Arlington County.

Location

Trinity Presbyterian Preschool is conveniently located on a quiet residential street in North Arlington, close to Ballston, McLean, and Falls Church. The Preschool is located at:5533 16th St. N, Arlington, VA 22205. You can find the preschool office most easily via the courtyard entrance, which is past the playground on your right.

Facilities

The preschool supports a student body of approximately 125 children, with 10 classrooms. The preschool offers separate music space, a fenced outdoor playground, and a full-size gym with all types of play equipment. Our class sizes are small: the three-year-olds have eight children in each class, and the four-year-olds and pre-kindergarten each have ten children per class.

The Trinity Preschool Board

The Trinity Preschool Board is responsible for setting policies for the preschool and for community-building activities. The Trinity Preschool Board is made up of both Trinity Presbyterian Church members and non-members, and it includes both parents of current Trinity Preschool students and people who do not have children at Trinity Preschool. Trinity Preschool Board nomination formsare available from the Preschool Office each spring for interested parents and church members.

Schedule

The School YearClasses start in September, the week after Labor Day, and continue through May. The preschool is closed for a full two weeks at Christmas. During the school year, the preschool follows the holiday schedule observed by Arlington County Public Schools. See the Calendar for the annual schedule of events.

For all classes meeting until 1:00 pm, the children should bring a nonperishable lunch; all lunches must be marked with the child’s name.

NOTE: All classes will end at 12:00 for the first week of school. Classes will extend to 1:00pm and include lunch beginning the second week of school.Extended Day for Three-Year-Olds

For the three-year-old classes, an optional extended day until 1:00 pm is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Extended day will start the first week in October and run through May. The children should bring a non-perishable lunch; all lunches must be marked with the child’s name. There will be a sign up sheet outside each classroom on the 20th of each month. The first sign up will be on September 20th for October. When you sign up, it is for the full month.

A Typical Day’s Schedule

The day’s schedule is especially designed to consider the age and needs of each class. Some classes may begin their day with music. Some may begin their day in the gym using those large motor skills. The children have many opportunities to enjoy activities outside of the individual classrooms. We carefully move the children throughout the building so that they may enjoy activities, including music and our outdoor playground. For some of the activities (like music) the classes are paired by age, encouraging friendships between class. Class schedules include the following areas:

·Circle time

·Music

·Story time

·Large motor skill activities include: playing on gym equipment and the outdoor playground